The biopic will document the troubled life of the iconic perfomer, and the 25 year-old singer is reportedly first choice to star in the lead role.

Producer Lance W. Reynolds says in a statement, "Rihanna is one of the most talented performers of this millennium and with her unique acting and performing abilities, I have no doubt she will bring Josephine back to life on the big screen."

The film about the life of Baker, who became infamous for dancing naked apart for a tutu of fake bananas in the 1920s, is set for release next year. Baker was also the first African-American female to star in a major motion picture Zouzou.